About Big Cat Habitat

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary was founded by Kay Rosaire, who enjoys more than 30 years experience working with and caring for exotic animals.

Kay and Clayton Rosaire

Our History

She began rescuing big cats in 1987. Big Cat Habitat became a non-profit in 2005 and became a full sanctuary with the goal of rescuing exotic cats and other native and exotic wildlife in need of a permanent home. Big Cat Habitat provides education to the public to foster appreciation of the animals and impart the importance of habitat preservation. Our commitment is for their lifetime, which is more than 20 years – double their normal life span in the wild.

There are 3 large indoor/outdoor housing complexes with adjoining exercise habitats, and we are continuing to expand. Each habitat has a swimming pool, toys and palm trees to provide the emotional enrichment that maintains optimal mental and physical health.

Training & Demonstrations

Kay and her son Clayton provide educational training demonstrations using positive reinforcement techniques developed by Kay. Their unique style of gentle handling, praise and treats encourages the natural behaviors of big cats on cue and in a sequence of the trainer’s choice. Clayton is one of the few men in the world who can put his head in a lion’s mouth.

The Rosaires’ special relationships with the animals makes every demonstration thrilling to watch, with the opportunity to see the animals in a close encounter of the exotic kind! Come browse our facility and learn about our exotic and endangered Siberian Tigers, Royal Bengal Tigers, African Lions, and rare White Tigers.

Supporting the Sanctuary

Big Cat Habitat offers life-long sanctuary supported by income from the demonstrations and from donations.

Clayton and Danielle Rosaire

Volunteers are also a critical part of the support of the sanctuary. We need people with all types of skills. You can contribute to the expansion of the habitat and ongoing care for the animals by contributing in the following ways:

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and native wildlife. World-renowned educator and behaviorist Kay Rosaire and her son Clayton present training demonstrations with their rescued big cats in an educational forum. During the demonstrations they gently encourage the cats to show off their magnificent natural behaviors. You will be enthralled and entertained by these majestic animals as they demonstrate their characteristic athletic ability and unique individual personalities.

Comedic and informative, every demonstration discusses the importance of habitat preservation in the hopes of saving these amazing creatures from extinction in the wild. The sanctuary sometimes has special volunteer guests during the shows, such as Derrick Rosaire, Jr. and sons with their bears, or the Rosaire-Zoppes with their chimpanzees.

Discussions cover important topics such as extinction and environmental issues. Refreshments and souvenirs are available. Motorcoach Tours, Private Tours, Groups, Individuals, Photo Safaris, Weddings, Company Picnics, and Executive Excursions are available by special arrangement.